Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.

Sources say the announced hybrid-power Durango will now debut sometime in 2008, perhaps as an '09 model. The first such vehicle from Chrysler Group, it employs a gasoline/electric powertrain developed by DaimlerChrysler with General Motors, and Germany's BMW. GM plans to offer this so-called two-mode system on full-size Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs by late 2007. The hybrid Durango uses a 5.7 Hemi V8 assisted by two small electric motors instead of one larger unit. Drive is to all four wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. Dodge claims up to 25 percent better fuel economy vs. a regular Hemi Durango, plus more-responsive power delivery than "traditional" hybrids.

Sources say Durango V6 engines may be replaced by model-year 2010 with new designs boasting greater fuel efficiency. A new 5.6-liter diesel V8 is also rumored for that timeframe. Expected to produce some 260 hp, it's being developed as another joint effort of Chrysler Group and engine specialist Cummins, which has long supplied a straight-six turbodiesel for Dodge's big Ram pickups.